Fethard RNLI brings two people to safety after boat suffers engine failure off

Lifeboats News Release

Friday 11 August 2017

Volunteer lifeboat crew with Fethard RNLI was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat shortly before Midday yesterday (Thursday 10 August) following a call from a vessel with two people on board who had got into difficulty when their engine failed.

The 17ft boat had lost engine power about two miles out from Fethard Quay.

The lifeboat launched at 12.17pm and was on scene at shortly after. Weather conditions at the time were good with a North West Force 2 wind and calm seas.

Having assessed that the two people onboard were safe and well and with both wearing life jackets, the lifeboat crew proceeded to work with them to establish a tow line at the front of the boat.

The boat was successfully towed by Fethard lifeboat to Fethard Quay where it was re attached to its moorings and the two occupants were safely brought ashore.

Speaking following the callout, Hugh Burke, Fethard RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘We would remind anyone planning a trip at sea to go prepared and respect the water. Communications is vital and it is important that you always carry a means of calling or signalling for help should you get into difficulty and need to contact the emergency services. If you do find yourself in trouble or see someone else in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

‘Mobile phones are not a reliable source of communication as signal can be weak at sea.’

Key facts about the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.